More than 1100 climate warriors gathered together for RMK’s Forest Planting Day 17.05

On 17 May, at three
locations across Estonia, more than 1100 people gathered together for RMK’s
planting day and planted 45,000 young trees – double the number originally planned. This year’s Forest Planting Day
is dedicated to reducing the impact of global climate change.

“This year more than 45,000 young trees were planted, which are capable
of binding the average quantity of carbon released annually by 1500 people
travelling by car,” said Aigar Kallas, Chairman of the Management Board of RMK.
“A big thank you to all of the climate change warriors who participated in the
planting of trees. Interest in Forest Planting Day was so great that the groups
filled up before the final deadline for registration, although the planting of
trees is only one of many ways in which we can do something positive for
Estonia’s climate,” added Kallas.

More than 1100 people registered for this year’s Forest Planting Day,
planting new trees in the state forest in Jägala, in Harju County, in Juuru, in
Rapla County, and Võõpste, in Tartu County. Over the course of the day, each
participant was able to plant nearly 50 trees, accumulate knowledge about the
forest and climate from a Kvark presentation, and participate in a
forest-themed discussion.

In total, RMK is renewing approx. 11,700 hectares of forest land this
year, with planting taking place on 8050 hectares, sowing on 300 hectares and
natural renewal being helped along through the mineralisation of soil on 1600
hectares. A total of 1800 hectares of suitable growing sites for deciduous
trees will be left to natural renewal. The plants required for renewing the
state forest are grown by RMK in eight nurseries across Estonia.

RMK, or the State Forest Management Centre, is responsible for taking
care of nearly 30% of the total land area of Estonia, on which 47% of Estonia’s
forests are located. RMK is the keeper, protector and manager of the forest and
other natural biotic communities belonging to the Estonian state. RMK
cultivates forests, preserves natural treasures, earns income for the state by
managing the forest, creates opportunities for visiting nature, and provides
nature education.

Photos from RMK’s Forest Planting Day can be found here. The
authors of the photos are Stanislav Moskov, Aldis Toome and Are Tralla.